France says it is making progress toward resolving cognac imports dispute with China

The European Commission has imposed fines of €500 million on Apple and €200 million on Meta for violating competition and user choice regulations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), marking the first penalties under this significant EU legislation. The DMA aims to promote fair business practices among tech companies and is expected to escalate tensions with the Trump administration, which has been critical of Europe's internet regulations. These actions highlight the EU's commitment to enforcing...

Staff at an overnight shelter in Thunder Bay, Ont., are urging Elections Canada to simplify the voting process for individuals experiencing homelessness in the federal election. They emphasize the need for marginalized communities to engage in politics, especially given the numerous policy issues affecting them. The staff highlight significant differences between the provincial and federal election processes and their implications for the city's most vulnerable populations. Full Article

Nearly 70 incidents of missing or stolen parliamentary IT equipment involving MPs and their staff were reported in 2024, including a new MP's laptop and iPad that vanished from the House of Commons cloakroom. The loss of such devices raises security concerns amid fears of espionage from countries like Russia and China, particularly given the sensitivity of the information they may contain. Although the House of Commons has not disclosed specific details about suspects or...

The IMF warns that U.S. President Trump's tariff policies could lead to a global debt-to-GDP ratio rising to 117% by 2027, the highest since World War II. Vítor Gaspar noted that uncertainties in trade and finance are greater than previously projected, pushing countries representing 75% of global GDP to increase their debt burdens. He commended Germany's plans to ease its debt brake for public investment and acknowledged France's positive budget developments, hinting at an urgent...

Stock Market Surge Following Trump’s Trade CommentsStock futures rose sharply after President Trump declared he would not remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and hinted at easing trade tensions with China. As of 8 a.m. EST, Dow futures were up 660 points (1.7%), with significant gains in S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures, driven by positive investor sentiment following Trump's remarks on reducing tariffs and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's view on de-escalating the trade war. Despite...

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani expressed strong support for Cardinal Louis Sako to succeed Pope Francis as the head of the Roman Catholic Church. He highlighted Sako's respect and contributions to peace and interfaith tolerance, emphasizing Iraq's historical significance as a homeland for Christians. Following the announcement of Pope Francis's death at 88, Al-Sudani reiterated that Iraq embodies unity among various religious communities, with Sako being the sole nominee from the Middle East for...